Crime

‘Street Preacher’ Gets Life Behind Bars For Kidnapping Elizabeth Smart

SALT LAKE CITY (The Blaze/AP) — Nearly nine years after she was abducted at knifepoint from her bed, Elizabeth Smart watched Wednesday as a federal judge ordered a street preacher to spend the rest of his life in prison for kidnapping and raping her while holding her captive for months.

The sentencing of Brian David Mitchell closed a major legal chapter in the heartbreaking ordeal that stalled for years after Mitchell was declared mentally ill and unfit to stand trial in state court.

“I know that you know what you did is wrong,” Smart said to Mitchell, who sang quietly in the courtroom. “You took away nine months of my life that can never be returned.”

U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball handed down two life sentences for Mitchell at the hearing in Salt Lake City. A jury earlier unanimously convicted the 57-year-old Mitchell in December of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines for sex. Watch Smart speak after today’s sentence:

Street Preacher Gets Life Behind Bars For Kidnapping Elizabeth Smart

Smart was 14 when she was snatched from the bedroom of her family home in Salt Lake City. Wednesday was the first time she faced her kidnapper in court; he was removed from the trial for singing hymns when she testified.

Now 23, she testified in excruciating detail about waking up in the early hours of June 5, 2002, to the feel of a cold, jagged knife at her throat and being whisked away by Mitchell to his camp in the foothills near the family home.

Within hours of the kidnapping, she testified, she was stripped of her favorite red pajamas, draped in white, religious robes and forced into a polygamous marriage with Mitchell. She was tethered to a metal cable strung between two trees and subjected to near-daily rapes while being forced to use alcohol and drugs.

The sex charge was based on Mitchell transporting her to California for five of the nine months.

The disappearance and a massive search to find the blond-haired, blue-eyed girl riveted the nation, as did her improbable recovery while walking with her captor on a suburban Salt Lake City-area street on March 12, 2003.

Though Smart testified at Mitchell’s trial, she never addressed him directly then, because he was removed from the courtroom each day after singing hymns to disrupt the proceedings. Smart was a steady, clear-voiced witness who never wavered with emotion, even as she described the horrific events of what she called her “nine months of hell.”

She recalled being forced to live homeless, dress in disguises and stay quiet or lie about her identity if ever approached by strangers or police. Daily, her life and those of her family members were threatened by Mitchell, she has said.

On Wednesday, her father spoke to the man who kidnapped his daughter

“Exploitation of religion is not a defense,” Ed Smart said. “You put Elizabeth through nine months of psychological hell.”

The facts of the case have never been in dispute, but defense attorneys have said Mitchell’s actions were tainted by mental illness and long-held delusional beliefs that he had been commanded by God to fulfill important prophecies.

Smart, who described her captor as vulgar and self-serving, testified that she believed Mitchell was driven by his desire for sex, drugs and alcohol, not by any sincere religious beliefs.

“Nine months of living with him and seeing him proclaim that he was God‘s servant and called to do God’s work and everything he did to me and my family is something that I know that God would not tell somebody to do,” Smart said during the trial.

Much of the case has turned on questions over Mitchell’s mental health. In federal court he was deemed competent for trial, but a parallel state case – where he remains charged with six felonies – stalled after a judge twice determined he was unfit and rejected a petition for forced treatment.

Mitchell finally stood trial after a key witness for federal prosecutors, New York forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Welner, concluded Mitchell was “malingering” or faking a mental disorder to avoid prosecution.

Defense attorneys maintain Mitchell needs psychiatric attention and asked the judge to recommend incarceration in a federal prison hospital rather than a standard prison.

Wanda Barzee, Mitchell’s estranged wife and a co-defendant in the case, is already serving a 15-year sentence in a federal prison hospital in Texas for her role in the kidnapping.

Barzee, 65, pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping and unlawful transportation charges in November 2009. Upon her release, Barzee is expected to be transferred to the Utah State Prison to serve a sentence on a conviction in a companion case involving the attempted abduction in 2002 of Smart’s cousin.  Watch below for more:

Comments (77)

1 2
  • joedog73
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:01am

    After the hell she went through, to see Elizabeth as a well spoken, educated young adult who is now leading a normal life shows what an strong person she is. A lot of other people would not have been able to recover from something like this.

    This is why we need the death penalty. This guy doesn’t deserve to live.

    Report Post »  
  • illuminoddy
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 6:24am

    best news of the decade

    man.. we waited forever for that conviction, honestly, i had given up hope on justice and thought he’d just spend a few years in a cozy mental hospital

    im extremely excited about this decision

    its one of teh few decisions in US History that has given proper punishment to someone not guilty of murder..

    of course he deserves death, but in america now a days its likely he would just get off in a few months or years

    2 sentences of life in prison perfectly suits this crime

    but honestly, i thought Utah, of all the states in the union, could execute him. by hanging or firing squad, which are still on the books

    too bad he’s already so old, and is basically getting free retirement

    he’s homeless and old, and prison is probably a dream for him

    im disappointed this wasnt a death sentence

    Report Post » illuminoddy  
  • CSojourner
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 5:36am

    Hurray for Elizabeth. She and her parents have done a wonderful job of preserving her sanity. It‘s worth the tax payer’s dollars for this creep to spend the rest of his life living a hellish existence in prison. Thank goodness.

    Report Post »  
  • Bryan
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 3:01am

    Life in prison was a good judgement, too bad they didn’t throw in castration too!

    Report Post » Bryan  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 1:24am

    Sad part is.. it took nine years to sentence this man…….. why?? Our system sucks, but Elisabeth was a star!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on May 26, 2011 at 12:34am

    He’s not a “street preacher”. He’s a psycho rapist. He‘s one of those lunatics you’re likely to find down on skid row having animated conversations with god. Or no one. Or himself. It’s hard to tell.

    Am I holding this guy up to be a representative sample of religious folks? No. As I said, he’s NOT a street preacher.

    However, if there needs to be a word said about how representative of the greater group an individual is, I‘ll hold Brian David Mitchell to be as representative of Christian preachers as any of you hold Rosie O’Donnell to be representative of lesbians.

    I find Elizabeth Smart to be a truly amazing young woman. This is the kind of horror show experience likely to rearrange a person’s priorities like the 9.1 earthquake rearranged Japan, and yet she still cuts the very image of a well-adjusted young woman. Truly, Smart is a lady well-named.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • proudconservative
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:23am

      As much as I think Rosie O’Donnell is a disgrace, I have to put her on a much higher plane than this piece of human garbage. He is no follower of God and the word Christian and him should never ever be even thought of let alone used in the same sentence.

      Report Post »  
    • wtrobertson
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:57am

      this guy is a mormon not a christian .

      Report Post »  
    • sbeejustsaying
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:25am

      Thank you. I couldn’t have said it better.

      Report Post » sbeejustsaying  
    • mibble
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 12:21pm

      to wtrobertson this guy is a mormon not a christian.

      You are a moron, not a Christian.

      Report Post » mibble  
  • bombshelterbob
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:55pm

    This young lady is truly impressive, I live in Utah and I’ve watched this story for years. The Smart family is top flight. And to an earlier post that mentioned a bullet, no way, 22 long rifle ammo is up to about six cents a round and that’s a lot to spend on a piece of sh** like that sob. Two life sentences, lewt him rot in this life and then face the real punishment in the next.

    Report Post » bombshelterbob  
  • Midwest Blonde
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:08pm

    Life in Prison is not enough punishment for his crimes.

    Maybe some other [evil] inmate will execute him for the state. It happens occasionally…….

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • Cedar
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:41pm

    Why do we have to pay for his imprisonment? Hang the SOB by his ******!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Cedar  
  • cheeze is crust
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:45pm

    so much for men of the cloth living the old testament life style

    Report Post » cheeze is crust  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:26pm

    He hould have gotten death by hanging!

    Report Post »  
  • chips1
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:13pm

    I can hear BUBBA singing “HERE COMES THE BRIDE”.

    Report Post »  
  • KayMichelle
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:51pm

    We are so proud of you, Elizabeth, our child hero. Yes, we remember you stayed with this monster to protect your family, especially your little sister.

    Hopefully, this closes the horrible time in your life. We love you!

    Report Post » KayMichelle  
  • triquad
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:48pm

    Here in Utah,we have watched this filthy peice of crap play the system time and time again.Every time he would show up for hearing he would break out in some song or start in some rediculous chant.He knew all along exactly what he was doing and so did we.Finally this peice of crap gets to serve his life in prison.Too bad it was’nt the death penalty because now we have to feed this filth.I only hope that some big bubba in prison will make him their favorite play pal.As in bum darts.

    Report Post »  
  • MidWestMom
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:45pm

    a bullet would be cheaper….. and well-deserved

    Report Post »  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:34pm

    What a class act she is.. ! Her composure is amazing.

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • Tree
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:27pm

    Perhaps this is indeed justice, he’ll now be getting what he was giving that poor girl, minus the drugs and alcohol, and for a much longer time!

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:16pm

      There are more drugs in prison than on the corner of 47th and Market St.

      Report Post »  
  • Blazer334
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:17pm

    Not good enough. The creep should have been stretched.

    Report Post » Blazer334  
  • AKITAMOMMY
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:14pm

    Glenn spoke of a VERY BRAVE GIRL recently on his show in regards to adoption.
    Indeed this is a very brave Woman. May God bless her with every blessings indeed earned in this & the next life for her sacrifices & loss. Brave indeed.

    Report Post » AKITAMOMMY  
    • Disnylv
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 10:25pm

      I agree with you, a brave young lady who has a bright future ahead of her!!

      Report Post »  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:11pm

    Praise the Lord! Good news for the righteous all over the Blaze today!

    Report Post » windycitywoman  
  • BobParker2003
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:57pm

    How is it he only deserves life in prison. This man should be put to death for this.

    Report Post »  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:15pm

      He will be put to death. Maybe not legally by the state, but rather by some incarcerated father.
      Justice is not complete yet.

      Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:37pm

      CAPTAIN CRUNCH
      . . . AGREED!… hopefully after those that would enjoy some “private” time get all they want.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • quicker
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:32pm

    Sexual predators need to put under the jail .Gald this young woman is gitting her life back togather.

    Report Post » quicker  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:34pm

      NAW.. in with the general population….they LOVE child molesters.

      yep

      Report Post » Stoic one  
  • bitter clinger
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:26pm

    I hope he is not in solitary and his cellmates are always in the mood.

    Report Post » bitter clinger  
  • Sam Brown
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Nine years for justice to be served, was this a union court or something? Can justice move any slower?

    Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:38pm

      the lawyers and accused play the system..

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • mill
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 2:38am

      If this young woman had been from a poor family….the story would have been over 9 years ago.

      Report Post »  
    • Michael600r
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 3:36pm

      Justice delayed is justice denied.

      Report Post » Michael600r  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:25pm

    better than he deserves but for once the justice system worked

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
    • Eric_The_Red_State
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:31pm

      There is a level of evil that deserves to be punished by death – and one of those levels is abusing children. He does not deserve life in prison at $50,000 a year to the American taxpayer.
      He deserves to be preserved in concrete in some “Wall ‘O’ Evil” in Buckwheat Montana

      Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 7:33pm

      He got what he deserved.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • AKITAMOMMY
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:11pm

      Glenn spoke of a VERY BRAVE GIRL….. when speaking of adoption. This is indeed a Very Brave Girl.
      Now a woman who I pray has all the beatitudes of life & Gods hand of protection everyday of her life.
      God Bless

      Report Post » AKITAMOMMY  
    • Evileye
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:15pm

      I belive they have the firing squad in Utah or is it Colorado?
      That is where he should be for what he did to that poor girl

      Report Post »  
    • Amica
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 8:37pm

      Utah only has the firing squad for those who chose it earlier. I don’t remember when they stopped it, but if someone sentenced to death before it was stopped chose it they can still get it, but nobody else.

      Report Post » Amica  
    • No1YaKnow
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:05pm

      She is an amazing young woman to have come out so level-headed after her ordeal. And yes, it is better than he deserves, but remember, the family doesn’t believe in the death penalty. Unfortunately, he will not be there long, probably will die soon, but you know what other prisoners do to child molesters!!! They don’t put up with that.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:30pm

      GOOD!
      . .. .. . ..our judicial worked. Thankfully (for him) I am not the one passing sentence on him. As one that was a victim of rape at the age of seventeen by a sixty-four married father of four daughters; I was a rather “CONFUSED” young man thirty-seven years ago.

      thump thump…where is my meat tenderizing hammer, the EXTRA LARGE garlic press?
      grrr……

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • jzs
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:08pm

      This man is a God fearing Christian just like you here. Just as all Muslims follow the teachings of Osama Bin Laden about violence, all Christians believe this man represented the true path of Christ. Christians believe, like this man, that everyone should take several wives, even if they have to capture, keep them hostage and rape them. Yes, that is what all Christians believe and the Bible proves it.

      Yeah sure, Christianity is a peaceful religion when it’s members capture and rape teenagers or force them all to commit suicide like Jim Jones, or make them believe they should sell everything they own because the world is going to end last Saturday.

      I don’t really mean that, I’m just quoting and extremist Muslim website.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 25, 2011 at 11:25pm

      I’m glad that Elizabeth got to tell him that he has no control over her .. she has her life back and she is a very strong young woman … I hope she has a GREAT life .. I bet she does.

      Report Post »  
    • proudconservative
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 7:31am

      I am so very happy that Elisabeth Smart feels that justice was done on her behalf. Yes he should have been fried for the fear and total hell that he put her through, but as long as she finds great happiness and pleasure with the trials outcome that is good enough for me. She is a very remarkable person and I only wish her the utmost happiness and joy for the rest of her life and I hope she is able to put this tragedy as far removed from her as the East is from the West.

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 8:50am

      jzs, just because he called himself a Christian that doesn’t mean he was. People misrepresent themselves all the time.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 9:49am

      JZS

      When people who call themselves Christians do evil things that hurt people, other Christians condemn and prosecute them or put them in mental institutions. When Muslims do evil things that hurt people (almost daily), other Muslims just smile and make excuses for the evildoer. There are only a scant handful of Muslims who do otherwise and they are ostracized by the vast majority of Muslims. If you believe that moral equivalence exists between Muslims and Christians then you would claim that some equivalence exists between lion and his prey.

      Report Post »  
    • jeffp605
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 10:15am

      Why are you calling this nut a street preacher ?

      Report Post »  
    • mibble
      Posted on May 26, 2011 at 12:14pm

      Re: No1YaKnow
      but remember, the family doesn’t believe in the death penalty.

      What? Where did you get that information. Have you spoken with Ed or Lois Smart lately? I can tell you that they DO believe in the death penalty even though they may not want it for Mitchell.

      Report Post » mibble  
    • SonOfaCommunist
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 5:56am

      Too bad he didn’t have a good “Liberal” judge and jury or maybe even the good old ACLU defending him. Would have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. After all he was just practicing his religious beliefs. Just like that Muslim soldier in Texas. It was his religious belief to shoot the infidel soldiers. That’s called the Chubaka defense!

      Hope he gets what he deserves in prison…Karma has a way of giving back :-)

      Report Post » SonOfaCommunist  
    • chazman
      Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:56pm

      He’ll get what he finally deserves in prison. I think he’s dead meat …

      Report Post »  
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